S.Kannan in Paris
The Paris Olympics opening ceremony is just about two days away, yet, if you go by the efficient way in which the airport staff is handling arrivals at the Charles de Gaulle terminals, there is no panic. Usually, a few days before the Olympics, there is confusion when one lands in the host city. Yet, the way the organisers have meticulously planned things in detail, there is no chaos.
For athletes and journalists arriving in the Capital of France from various countries, the immigration process was a breeze. It’s a clear sign, nothing has been left to last minute glitches. Usually, the security hassles at an airport are intimidating. No, not in Paris, as the screening process was super quick, as long as you had updated details on the system.
There is no doubt, there is a tight budget cap for these Summer Games. Transportation from the airport to the city is not easy and the city has not exactly rolled out a red carpet. One has to fend for himself or herself, either via public transport or cabs, to enter the main city. That is the case for media troops. As far as athletes are concerned, all those who are now residing in the Games Village have had a smooth arrival and training full steam.
The real action begins in a few days, so the cab driver driving me, Deibo, chatted along merrily. Flow of traffic is fast in the evening, but the real challenge is for those who are going to be in the zone near the Seine river, where the opening ceremony will take place. “I think we will see more crowds during the weekend, maybe not all will be coming for the opening ceremony,” said Deibo. Does he expect more business in the coming days? “I am not going to guess, for me, life will go on. We hear all talk of fewer people coming but I don’t believe that,” said Deibo.
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There are some Indian fans also arriving from various parts of the world. An NRI RevSportz spoke to, Vasu, is excited. He lives in Pittsburg, USA, and has come with his family to Paris. Vasu spoke of how he wants to see Indians do well in these Olympics. “I went to the London Olympics in 2012 as a student. Now I have come with my family, all of us are sports lovers,” said Vasu.
Even though he has a Green Card, Vasu says his love for India and Indian athletes is very high. “I mean, I have bought tickets for a few events online. I am sure some tickets will be available at counters as well,” he said. The peripatetic traveller has also booked himself into a place through AirBnB so that he will be spared of security glitches on the big day, July 26.
Vasu and his wife Sumedha flew into Paris from New Delhi and are happy to cheer Indian athletes. “I mean, from Neeraj Chopra to PV Sindhu and Manu Bhaker, I would love to see them all compete and win medals,” said Vasu. He is even thinking about how he can go to Lyon to watch the football matches.
So, anyone who thinks the response to the Paris Games is going to be lukewarm is wrong. Of course, some locals have moved out, renting their apartments. Maybe, they are not sports lovers. The real energy will be felt in the coming days. As of now, Paris is ready to witness a historic Summer Games after 1924. So much has changed in this period. Yet, the old charm of Paris being chique and a trend-setter in many ways cannot be denied.
Also Read: The 1948 Olympic hockey final – when new India tamed the old imperial masters